WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Ben Pope, who helps cover Northwestern for the Daily Northwestern, answers five questions about the Wildcats, Purdue's opponent Saturday at Ryan Field:

Question: Three straight overtime wins. Why is Northwestern winning these close games?

Answer: Pat Fitzgerald has always had a knack for winning close games, but becoming the first team in FBS history to win three straight in overtime is a new feat altogether. Northwestern's offense has developed quite a lot of confidence in their ability to punch it in from 25 yards out, as they've gone first in all three games — the Wildcats have lost all three coin tosses — and scored touchdowns every time. The running efforts of veteran star Justin Jackson and dynamic backup Jeremy Larkin have proven the biggest factors in the offense's OT success.

Q: How do you evaluate running back Justin Jackson's season?

A: Jackson was hampered by an iffy offensive line and a nagging injury of his own earlier in the season, but has been on top of his game throughout the Wildcats' ongoing four-game winning streak. Northwestern's all-time leading rusher has averaged nearly 150 all-purpose yards per game during the streak and went for 154 on the ground alone against Nebraska. He's also found more of a role in the passing game than in previous seasons, hauling in five-plus catches in three of his last five outings. It's hard to grade this season from Jackson — much like each of his past three — anything other than an 'A.'

Q: Purdue's strength on offense has been the run game but the Wildcats have limited opponents on the ground recently. Who wins this matchup Saturday and why?

A: Northwestern ranks 12th nationally in rush yards allowed per game and 17th in yards allowed per rush attempt; the defensive line's effectiveness is the reason why. Explosive ends Joe Gaziano and Sam Miller have been able to seal the edge on some of the Big Ten's speediest rushers, forcing them inside and into two veteran run-stuffers: Tyler Lancaster and Jordan Thompson. Freshman linebacker Paddy Fisher hasn't been shabby, either, ranking second in the conference in tackles. Purdue's multi-faceted running attack is a bit different than what the Wildcats have faced so far, but it's hard to bet against this run defense right now.

Q: Quarterback Clayton Thorson has 11 interceptions after throwing just nine last season. Why is Thorson struggling with turnovers?

A: Thorson can be easily knocked off his game by a steady pass rush, and Northwestern's weak offensive line has made that issue especially problematic this year. In the three games in which he's been sacked four or more times, Thorson has a 53.6 completion percentage, six interceptions and an 0-3 record. In the six games he hasn't been, Thorson has a 63.9 completion percentage, just five interceptions and a 6-0 record. Under pressure, Thorson has a tendency to overthrow receivers, and that leads to picks. When he's confident, however, Thorson can lead a drive as well as other signal-caller in the Big Ten — which he demonstrated in an 84-yard march to tie the game late against Nebraska.

Q: Northwestern has already qualified for a bowl. What's the best case bowl scenario for the Wildcats if they win out?

A: After starting the season 2-3, Northwestern has a very realistic chance to finish 9-3, with dates against Minnesota and Illinois — which have a combined 1-11 Big Ten record entering this weekend — after Purdue.They presumably won't be able to pass Wisconsin, Penn State or Ohio State in the pecking order, but nine wins and some help elsewhere could get the Wildcats into the Holiday Bowl or possibly even the Citrus Bowl. The Music City Bowl and Foster Farms Bowl will also be in play, but NU isn't eligible for the Outback Bowl or Pinstripe Bowl (on account of playing in them recently).